About the position
The Practice Manager, Litigation will work closely with Practice, Section, and Division Management to manage the efficient and optimal administration of the Litigation Section and other Sections as needed. The Practice Manager will focus on Associate support, professional development, and workload management. They will also serve as the point person when collaborating with other administrative departments on operational and strategic matters. This role requires a strong commitment to fostering a supportive environment for associates, ensuring their professional growth and effective performance management. The Practice Manager will be instrumental in developing and implementing training programs, managing associate work allocation, and overseeing the operational aspects of the Litigation Section. In addition to managing associate professional development, the Practice Manager will be responsible for the administration of the Section, including budget oversight, meeting facilitation, and event planning. They will collaborate with various departments to ensure that associates receive the necessary support and resources for their professional development. The Practice Manager will also play a key role in recruiting and human resources, assessing hiring needs, and facilitating the onboarding process for new associates. The Practice Manager will utilize business intelligence to inform leadership on trends related to Section management, talent management, and financial performance. They will work closely with other Practice Managers to develop best practices and streamline processes across the Practice Management team. This position requires a balance of in-office presence and remote work, with a 60% in-office requirement and 40% remote work permissible.
Responsibilities
- Be a resource for associates regarding day-to-day questions.
- Conduct quarterly check-ins with associates.
- Work with Attorney Development to monitor attorney performance, identify development gaps, and escalate issues for review by Section management.
- Participate in the Associate Evaluation Process, including reading feedback, drafting composites for Associates, and participating in mid-year check-ins and year-end evaluation meetings.
- Travel to other offices to develop and strengthen relationships.
- Collaborate with Attorney Development to facilitate, review and update formal litigation training programs including identification and recruitment of instructors.
- Collaborate with the Attorney Development on Mentor, Advisor and Sponsor Pairings for all Associates.
- Identify topics for and coordinate execution of Litigation Associate Lunch ‘n Learn Series.
- Identify and facilitate external professional development opportunities for the Section.
- Advise associates on Professional Development Plans.
- Collaborate with appropriate departments in connection with associate accolade submissions.
- Manage allocation of assignments for associates and off-track attorneys.
- Analyze and oversee metrics to measure and monitor allocation of work.
- Identify areas of improvement with existing workflow processes and SOPs.
- Work with attorneys to optimize attorney utilization and support attorney development.
- Partner with Senior Practice Manager and Section Chair to lead the operational and strategic aspects of the Section.
- Oversee Section budgets, including reviewing, approving, and monitoring spending.
- Assist with planning and facilitating Section and Member meetings including agenda development and content creation.
- Prepare Monthly Litigation Newsletter.
- Plan and coordinate various Section events to promote group cohesiveness and recognize accomplishments.
- Assist with execution of the Section's Strategic Plan.
- Assist with implementation of Section's Best Practices.
- Identify and assess hiring needs; make recommendations to Section management.
- Participate in interviewing process for associates, as requested.
- Coordinate with Attorney Development to facilitate orientation and integration of new associates.
- Coordinate with Attorney Development to manage associate on/off-ramping for leaves of absence.
- Assist with departing attorney process management.
- Prepare reporting and analytics to build business intelligence that informs Section and Firm leadership on trends related to Section management.
- Collaborate with Section management and relevant administrative teams to identify actionable issues and plans arising out of metrics analysis.
- Support knowledge management initiatives.
- Work with Practice Manager peers in other Sections, Senior Practice Managers, and the Director of Practice Management to develop best-in-class practices, tools, and processes.
- Support and manage the workload and professional development of the Practice Coordinator through coaching, mentoring, delegation, and supervision.
- Assume additional responsibilities as requested.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required; J.D. strongly preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in a large law firm, with experience in practice management, professional development, and/or human resources.
- Strong analytical abilities, project management, attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to collaborate and gain the respect, trust, and confidence of the Firm's attorneys and professional staff.
- Facility analyzing, working with, and presenting data.
- Possess a creative, proactive, and 'hands-on' approach to problem solving.
- Facilitate teamwork and identify opportunities to develop new processes/infrastructure.
- Demonstrated ability to grasp and implement new concepts quickly.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a way that fosters collaborative working relationships.
- Outstanding sense of customer service, with demonstrated ability to instill this in others.
- Strong leadership and management abilities.
- Deep personal commitment to integrity, excellent judgment, and the highest standards of ethics.
- Must display the highest level of diplomacy, tact, and discretion, with comfort in handling and maintaining confidential information.
- Experience in employee relations, performance improvement and separations.
- Understanding of law firm economics.
- Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Bonus eligibility
- Salary range of $145,000 to $165,000
